The following is a conversation on the notion of "the cream rises to the top". I first publicly touched on this subject, albeit from a different angle, in 2009. It would seem many – if not most – believed this is how the world works, particularly here in the United States. Head down, work hard, [...]

Ep 286: The Myth of the “Cream Rises to the Top”

Professional

Sports & Recreation

Amateur

Outdoor

College & High School

Can coaches be “honest” with players and families, and more broadly is there honesty in the American soccer ecosystem? I’m joined by Paul Spacey, who I first met over 10 years ago soon after he arrived from England. Now with over a decade of working in American soccer, he shares a good number of lessons [...]

Ep 336: A Bunch of American Soccer Topics with Paul Spacey

The following episode features Ted Westervelt, regarded by many, including myself, as one of the originals who have been advocating and educating about promotion and relegation, both in the United States and abroad, for well over a decade. As you’ll see in this episode, he is very well-versed in the subject. And despite some suggesting [...]

Ep 335: Pro/Rel and MLS’ Assault on the US Open Cup with the OG himself, Ted Westervelt

Before the start of our weekly business meeting, John Kokkoris and I had some soccer small talk regarding this misguided notion of “let the kids play”. It was stimulated by the following comments made by the Argentine National Team manager, Lionel Scaloni. “There’s an excess of analysis, too much. Nowadays, everyone knows how the opponent [...]

Ep 334: Be Smart with this Incomplete Notion of “Just Let the Kids Play”

Don (@Don_K_Williams) and I touch on a number of topics, including: There’s Nothing New in Soccer. Stats and Video Don’t Capture the Quality of a Player. Coaches Aren’t the Main Problem in Development. Personal Experience in Helping Latinos Have a Chance at the Professional Level. What is “Mentality”, and How Much Influence do Coaches Really [...]

Ep 333: Don Williams – Soccer Practitioner Working on Player Pathway Management you Should Follow on X

Truly knowing the landscape at all scales, helps you successfully navigate it. On Clubs A crucial concept often overlooked in discussions about soccer is the absence of what we commonly refer to as “clubs” at the MLS level. Moreover, this absence extends to the youth ranks. It might seem different from what you’d expect, especially [...]

Ep 286: The Myth of the “Cream Rises to the Top”

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